Research at the National Center for Early Development & Learning (NCEDL), focuses on enhancing the cognitive, social and emotional development of children from birth through age eight. Among many publications is SPOTLIGHTS, one-page (front-and-back) summaries of the latest research from NCEDL. Topics range from strategies for parent involvement in decision making, respiratory problems in child care centers, and summaries of key issues related to the transition to kindergarten. See http://www.fpg.unc.edu/~ncedl/PAGES/wnew.htm#SpotAnchor to download. If you’d like a simplified black-and-white version, email loyd_little@unc.edu and you will receive a copy via email.
EARLY CHILDHOOD SUMMIT. At the Early Childhood Summit in Washington, D.C., last month, Secretary Riley challenged educators to work with parents & policymakers to expand learning opportunities for 2- to 5-year-olds. The summit, "Eager to Learn: Educating Our Preschoolers," was based on a forthcoming National Research Council (NRC) report that makes 19 recommendations on pre-school education. Secretary Riley endorsed those recommendations, including the call for all teachers who work with preschool children to have a bachelor's degree with specialized knowledge in working with preschool children. He also said the Family & Medical Leave Act should be expanded to give parents additional time at home during the early months of infancy & that the nation should move to make voluntary pre-kindergarten universally available. The executive summary of the NRC report is at http://books.nap.edu/books/0309068363/html/1.html#pagetop
The Let’s Play! Project was designed to begin the unraveling of the "how to’s" in the application of low-tech assistive technology to the birth through two-year-old population of children with disabilities, in their natural environments. The project has products designed for parents and professionals in early Intervention programs. The content reflects strategies and supporting materials useful when considering play options for young children with disabilities. To order contact: University at Buffalo Center for Assistive Technology 515 Kimball Tower, Buffalo, NY 14214 (716) 829-3141 or visit the Let’s Play! Website for more information: http://cosmos.ot.buffalo.edu/letsplay/
What is a listserv? How can I benefit from the project listserv? Want to find out about reimbursement policies across the country? Interested in knowing what states are working effectively between the state and local council levels? Anxious to know what states are doing interesting work in the area of finance and natural environments? Then consider joining "nectas-icc-p," the listserv designed to facilitate easy communication among council leaders. Co-sponsored by the National ICC Parent Leadership Support Project and NECTAS, the list currently serves over 60 parent leaders from 15 different states serving on local, state, and federal ICCs. Send subscription requests to Brad Arndt at barndt@fcsn.org.
The Research and Training
Center in Service Coordination needs parent leaders to complete
its national survey about state systems of service coordination for young
children with disabilities and their families. Please request a survey
from Glenn Gabbard, ggabbard@fcsn.org
or call 800.493.2338 x153.
Resources
Leadership isn’t top-down anymore! Consult Collaborative Leadership: How Citizens & Civic Leaders Can Make A Difference (San Francisco: Jossey-Bass Inc., 350 Sansome Street, 1994). By David D. Chrislip & Carl E. Larson, this book describes specific leadership strategies addresses: How to deal with complex issues, how to engage frustrated & angry citizens, how to generate the civic will to break through legislative and bureaucratic gridlocks, sustaining hope and participation.
Medical Model, Anyone? Check out Developing Family-Centered Vision, Mission & Philosophy of Care Statements. This is a practical resource that will help guide organizations through the process of developing vision, mission & philosophy of care statements that support family-centered care. Designed for hospital & clinic administrators, as well as formal & informal leaders among clinicians & health care consumers who want to change & enhance hospital or clinic services. See www.familycenteredcare.org for more information.
The Parliamentary Internet Newsletter www.parli.com is for all those interested in learning about better meeting procedures, and the preserving of democracy in small groups, churches, schools, organizations, schools & government organizations.
ZERO TO THREE, the National Center for Infants, Toddlers and Families, is seeking applicants for their LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE, a 2-year networking and mentoring experience for individuals who are committed to making a difference in the lives of babies and families, eager to meet outstanding thinkers and leaders in the infant/family field, and seeking a career-broadening experience. Application materials and a detailed description are attached or you can check our website at www.zerotothree.org
ICC Parent Leadership Resources:
Join a national conference call designed specifically to hear from parent leaders serving on ICCs. "Keeping It Together: What’s Happening on ICCs?" will be held on July 27 from 2:30-4:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Space is limited; if you’d like to join the call, send an email message to barndt@fcsn.org or call 800.493.2338 x211.
Become part of our leader-to-leader network! Email Marilyn Gutierrez (marilyng@fcsn.org for more details!
Send us your important documents related to council work! Brochures, training agendas, by-laws--- anything that you are proud of and think will help ICC parents in other communities!
Contact Marilyn Gutierrez ("marilyng@fcsn.org") or call 800.493.2338 x151.
Check out our website for more details: www.iccparent.org